Cpl. Algeo was murdered in Hastings, England by fellow Canadian soldier Pte. Edward Ripley during a quarrel on the evening of December 21. The trial was held in Hastings and witnesses said the fight was initiated by Algeo, who died soon after as a result of hemmoraging from neck wounds inflicted by a razor, which was found at the scene. Witnesses said neither man appeared to be drunk and could not say what the quarrel was about. Witness Pte. john Weston McManus told the court he saw Ripley shortly after the incident occurred. McManus asked "Rip, what is the matter?" to which he replied "By God, Jack, I cut a bastard's throat tonight." On January 13th, after deliberating for only 20 minutes, the jury returned with a guilty verdict and Ripley was charged with Algeo's "willful murder."
Source: Hastings & St.Leonard's Observer, Dec. 30, 1916 - Jan. 20, 1917 issues
The Borough Coroner (Mr. J. Glenister) held an inquest at the East Sussex Hospital on Saturday ev[...]